Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
To celebrate the occasion, I have compiled a list (I LOVE lists...can you tell??) of some of the best Thanksgiving-themed episodes of TV shows ever.
Give it a look and watch a couple of these babies after the in-laws leave, the kids go to bed, the dishes are done, and you can relax on the couch.
The entries are in no particular order; they are just awesome television episodes that somehow include the Thanksgiving holiday.
"Thanksgiving" - GLEE
I stayed with this show long after its expiration date. By the time this particular episode aired in November 2012, viewership had dropped dramatically, and it was well on its way out. But I was still watching, and even though the remarkably annoying Sarah Jessica Parker was the guest star of episode 8 of season 4, I still enjoyed it.
"The Mom and Pop Store" - SEINFELD
This episode of one of the best sitcoms ever made involves Elaine's boss holding the ropes of a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, George being tricked into buying a car he doesn't want, Kramer causing a small business to go under, and Jerry popping a Woody Woodpecker balloon. A holiday classic.
"Turkey in a Can" - BOB'S BURGERS
This glorious holiday episode of a glorious TV show finds Bob's beloved turkey in the toilet, and this mystery must be solved. "Bob's Burgers" has several Thanksgiving episodes, but this one, from season 4, is easily the best.
"Parents" - NEW GIRL
Another really good show that had a couple of fun Thanksgiving episodes, but this one is the best, mainly because Jamie Lee Curtis is in it. Jess' divorced parents (Curtis and Rob Reiner) come over for Thanksgiving, and all hell breaks loose. A hilarious episode.
"Turkey or Fish" - EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND
I was way late to the party on this show. A great ensemble, terrific writing, and some brilliant observational comedy are always on display, never more so than in the very first Thanksgiving episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond," which is hilarious from beginning to end.
"Thanksgiving Orphans" - CHEERS
Season 5's Thanksgiving episode of "Cheers" is a flat-out classic. Most of the characters have no place to go for the holiday. They all end up at Carla's for a potluck dinner, and the results are disastrous: an uncooked turkey, a terrible guest list, and a giant food fight.
"Lockdown" - BROOKLYN NINE-NINE
One of the best episodes of one of the best sitcoms in TV history is the fantastic Thanksgiving episode from season 2. In it, all of the characters are locked in a police station while a mysterious package is being investigated on the holiday. The reliable, brilliant ensemble work is on display in this one-location episode, which is brilliantly written and hysterically executed.
"A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving" - GILMORE GIRLS
The season 3 Thanksgiving episode of one of my favorite television shows of all time is a stellar example of the greatness of this remarkable, special show. Mother and daughter Lorelai and Rory must attend four full-course Thanksgiving celebrations, which include a formal event, some deep-fried disasters, new love interests, and a subplot involving Kirk and his new pet cat, "Kirk." Yeah... it's genius. And, oh yeah... Jess is a jagoff.
"The Gang Squashes Their Beefs" - IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA
The gang can't rent the movie they want to watch for Thanksgiving, so they decide to squash all beefs with their many enemies to have a nice holiday. This brutally funny episode from season 9 brings back some memorable characters for an epic battle and huge laughs.
"Turkeys Away" - WKRP IN CINCINNATI
"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."
The Best Thanksgiving Episode Ever. Period.
What are your favorite Thanksgiving TV episodes?? Let me know by leaving a message at (773) 417-6948 or email me at nick@nickdigilio.com. Happy Holidays!
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